U.S. patent application number 13/039085 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-08 for image forming system, image forming apparatus, information converter, server, and computer-readable recording medium.
This patent application is currently assigned to Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Takeshi Hibino, Kenichi Komaba, Takuya Okada, Toshimi Shinchi, Eiichi Yoshida.
Application Number | 20110216340 13/039085 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44693369 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110216340 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoshida; Eiichi ; et
al. |
September 8, 2011 |
IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, INFORMATION
CONVERTER, SERVER, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM
Abstract
An image forming system comprises a calling part for calling up
customized information which is operation setting information
customized for a specific user, a converter for dividing an
operation to be executed in a specific function mode which is
installed in a first image forming apparatus and not installed in a
second image forming apparatus into a plurality of jobs and
changing execution information of the specific function mode to
converted execution information described by using combination of
pieces of execution information on the plurality of jobs when the
specific function mode is included in the customized information,
and a controller for executing an operation to implement the same
function as that of the specific function mode in the second image
forming apparatus by using the converted execution information.
Inventors: |
Yoshida; Eiichi;
(Toyokawa-shi, JP) ; Okada; Takuya; (Toyokawa-shi,
JP) ; Hibino; Takeshi; (Toyokawa-shi, JP) ;
Shinchi; Toshimi; (Tokokawa-shi, JP) ; Komaba;
Kenichi; (Toyokawa-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
Konica Minolta Business
Technologies, Inc.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
44693369 |
Appl. No.: |
13/039085 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/1285 20130101;
G06F 3/1271 20130101; H04N 1/00514 20130101; H04N 2201/0094
20130101; H04N 1/00413 20130101; H04N 1/00938 20130101; G06F 3/1244
20130101; H04N 1/00973 20130101; H04N 1/00482 20130101; G06F 3/1257
20130101; G06F 3/1205 20130101; H04N 1/00474 20130101; H04N 1/00405
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.13 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 4, 2010 |
JP |
2010-047471 |
Claims
1. An image forming system, comprising: a calling part for calling
up customized information which is operation setting information
customized for a specific user; a converter for dividing an
operation to be executed in a specific function mode which is
installed in a first image forming apparatus and not installed in a
second image forming apparatus into a plurality of jobs and
changing execution information of said specific function mode to
converted execution information described by using combination of
pieces of execution information on said plurality of jobs when said
specific function mode is included in said customized information;
and a controller for executing an operation to implement the same
function as that of said specific function mode in said second
image forming apparatus by using said converted execution
information.
2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein said
converter converts said execution information of said specific
function mode into said converted execution information on the
basis of apparatus configuration information which is information
relating to a configuration of said second image forming
apparatus.
3. The image forming system according to claim 1, further
comprising: a determination part for determining whether or not
said specific function mode is installed in said second image
forming apparatus on the basis of possessed-function information
which is information relating to functions possessed by said second
image forming apparatus.
4. The image forming system according to claim 1, further
comprising: a determination part for determining whether or not
said specific function mode is installed in said second image
forming apparatus on the basis of functional level information
which is information relating to a functional level of said second
image forming apparatus.
5. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein said
converter converts said execution information of said specific
function mode into said converted execution information by using a
database defining a relation between said execution information of
said specific function mode and said plurality of jobs.
6. The image forming system according to claim 5, further
comprising: an update part for updating data in said database by
using network communication.
7. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein said
converter is provided in said first image forming apparatus.
8. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein said
converter is provided in said second image forming apparatus.
9. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein said
converter is provided in an apparatus other than said first image
forming apparatus or said second image forming apparatus.
10. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein said
converter is provided in a third image forming apparatus which is
different from said first image forming apparatus or said second
image forming apparatus.
11. An information converter, comprising: an acquisition part for
acquiring execution information of a specific function mode, said
specific function mode being included in customized information
which is operation setting information customized for a specific
user and not being installed in a specific image forming apparatus;
and a converter for dividing an operation to be executed in said
specific function mode into a plurality of jobs which can be
executed in said specific image forming apparatus and converting
said execution information of said specific function mode into
converted execution information described by using combination of
said plurality of jobs.
12. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an acquisition part for
acquiring execution information of a specific function mode, said
specific function mode being included in customized information
which is operation setting information customized for a specific
user and not being installed in another image forming apparatus;
and a converter for dividing an operation to be executed in said
specific function mode into a plurality of jobs which can be
executed in said another image forming apparatus and converting
said execution information of said specific function mode into
converted execution information described by using combination of
said plurality of jobs.
13. A server connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses
via a network, comprising: an acquisition part for acquiring
execution information of a specific function mode included in
customized information which is operation setting information
customized for a specific user and can be called up from said
plurality of image forming apparatuses; and a converter for
dividing an operation to be executed in said specific function mode
which is not installed in a specific image forming apparatus among
said plurality of image forming apparatuses into a plurality of
jobs which can be executed in said specific image forming apparatus
and converting said execution information of said specific function
mode into converted execution information described by using
combination of said plurality of jobs.
14. A computer-readable recording medium which records a computer
program for causing a computer connected to a plurality of image
forming apparatuses via a network to execute the steps of: a)
acquiring execution information of a specific function mode
included in customized information which is operation setting
information customized for a specific user and can be called up
from said plurality of image forming apparatuses; and b) dividing
an operation to be executed in said specific function mode which is
not installed in a specific image forming apparatus among said
plurality of image forming apparatuses into a plurality of jobs
which can be executed in said specific image forming apparatus and
converting said execution information of said specific function
mode into converted execution information described by using
combination of said plurality of jobs.
15. A computer-readable recording medium which records a computer
program for causing a computer embedded in an image forming
apparatus to execute the steps of: a) acquiring execution
information of a specific function mode, said specific function
mode being included in customized information which is operation
setting information customized for a specific user and not being
installed in another image forming apparatus; and b) dividing an
operation to be executed in said specific function mode into a
plurality of jobs which can be executed in said another image
forming apparatus and converting said execution information of said
specific function mode into converted execution information
described by using combination of said plurality of jobs.
16. An image forming system capable of calling up customized
information which is operation setting information customized for a
specific user from a plurality of image forming apparatuses,
comprising: a first image forming apparatus having a specific
function mode; a second image forming apparatus not having said
specific function mode; and an information converter for dividing
an operation to be executed in said specific function mode into a
plurality of jobs which can be executed in said second image
forming apparatus and converting execution information of said
specific function mode in said customized information into
converted execution information described by using combination of
said plurality of jobs.
Description
[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No.
2010-047471 filed on Mar. 4, 2010, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an image forming system and
a technique relating thereto.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] Image forming apparatuses such as MFPs (Multi Function
Peripherals) each include a lot of functions. Therefore, it is not
easy for users to select a desired function out of these many
functions. For this reason, there is a technique for making entries
of often-used functions and the like for each user in advance in
order to facilitate selection of a desired function (call-up of a
desired function). Further, suggested is a technique for calling up
these function entries from a plurality of image forming
apparatuses.
[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Gazette No.
2007-67875, for example, discloses a technique in which a user
stores setting information (job record) relating to an MFP into a
server (management apparatus) and when the user thereafter uses
another MFP, the user downloads the setting information from the
server to the MFP which is currently used by the user and uses the
setting information in the MFP which is currently used. This allows
each user who uses a plurality of MFPs to use his setting
information in any MFP.
[0007] These MFPs, however, do not always have the same function
modes, and in most cases, these MFPs have different number of
and/or different types of functions. For this reason, in an
environment where MFPs (low function MFPs) having a relatively
small number of functions and MFPs (high function MFPs) having a
relatively large number of functions are mixedly provided, for
example, it may occur that a "function mode" (e.g., "double-sided
printing", "N in 1", or the like) registered in a high function MFP
cannot be performed by a low function MFP.
[0008] In order to solve the above problem, Japanese Patent
Application Laid Open Gazette No. 2007-67875 sets out that it is
determined whether or not there is a difference point in the use of
the setting information (job record) between the apparatus (e.g.,
the high function MFP) which makes the setting information (job
record) and another apparatus (e.g., the low function MFP) which
makes an inquiry on the setting information (job record) and if
there is any difference point, the setting information is
processed. For example, a function (e.g., double-sided printing)
which is not installed in the low function MFP is cancelled (turned
off) and grayed out on a display screen of the low function
MFP.
[0009] If such a "function" is cancelled by the above technique,
however, it is turned out that this function cannot be used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
technique for facilitating use of operation setting information
customized for a specific user in a plurality of image forming
apparatuses.
[0011] The present invention is intended for an image forming
system. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the
image forming system comprises a calling part for calling up
customized information which is operation setting information
customized for a specific user, a converter for dividing an
operation to be executed in a specific function mode which is
installed in a first image forming apparatus and not installed in a
second image forming apparatus into a plurality of jobs and
changing execution information of the specific function mode to
converted execution information described by using combination of
pieces of execution information on the plurality of jobs when the
specific function mode is included in the customized information,
and a controller for executing an operation to implement the same
function as that of the specific function mode in the second image
forming apparatus by using the converted execution information.
[0012] The present invention is also intended for an information
converter. According to a second aspect of the present invention,
the information converter comprises an acquisition part for
acquiring execution information of a specific function mode, the
specific function mode being included in customized information
which is operation setting information customized for a specific
user and not being installed in a specific image forming apparatus,
and a converter for dividing an operation to be executed in the
specific function mode into a plurality of jobs which can be
executed in the specific image forming apparatus and converting the
execution information of the specific function mode into converted
execution information described by, using combination of the
plurality of jobs.
[0013] The present invention is further intended for an image
forming apparatus. According to a third aspect of the present
invention, the image forming apparatus comprises an acquisition
part for acquiring execution information of a specific function
mode, the specific function mode being included in customized
information which is operation setting information customized for a
specific user and not being installed in another image forming
apparatus, and a converter for dividing an operation to be executed
in the specific function mode into a plurality of jobs which can be
executed in the another image forming apparatus and converting the
execution information of the specific function mode into converted
execution information described by using combination of the
plurality of jobs.
[0014] The present invention is still further intended for a server
connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses via a
network. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the
server comprises an acquisition part for acquiring execution
information of a specific function mode included in customized
information which is operation setting information customized for a
specific user and can be called up from the plurality of image
forming apparatuses, and a converter for dividing an operation to
be executed in the specific function mode which is not installed in
a specific image forming apparatus among the plurality of image
forming apparatuses into a plurality of jobs which can be executed
in the specific image forming apparatus and converting the
execution information of the specific function mode into converted
execution information described by using combination of the
plurality of jobs.
[0015] The present invention is yet further intended for a
computer-readable recording medium. According to a fifth aspect of
the present invention, the computer-readable recording medium
records a computer program for causing a computer connected to a
plurality of image forming apparatuses via a network to execute the
steps of a) acquiring execution information of a specific function
mode included in customized information which is operation setting
information customized for a specific user and can be called up
from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and b) dividing an
operation to be executed in the specific function mode which is not
installed in a specific image forming apparatus among the plurality
of image forming apparatuses into a plurality of jobs which can be
executed in the specific image forming apparatus and converting the
execution information of the specific function mode into converted
execution information described by using combination of the
plurality of jobs.
[0016] The present invention is still further intended for a
computer-readable recording medium. According to a sixth aspect of
the present invention, the computer-readable recording medium
records a program for causing a computer embedded in an image
forming apparatus to execute the steps of a) acquiring execution
information of a specific function mode, the specific function mode
being included in customized information which is operation setting
information customized for a specific user and not being installed
in another image forming apparatus, and b) dividing an operation to
be executed in the specific function mode into a plurality of jobs
which can be executed in the another image forming apparatus and
converting the execution information of the specific function mode
into converted execution information described by using combination
of the plurality of jobs.
[0017] The present invention is yet further intended for an image
forming system capable of calling up customized information which
is operation setting information customized for a specific user
from a plurality of image forming apparatuses. According to a
seventh aspect of the present invention, the image forming system
comprises a first image forming apparatus having a specific
function mode, a second image forming apparatus not having the
specific function mode, and an information converter for dividing
an operation to be executed in the specific function mode into a
plurality of jobs which can be executed in the second image forming
apparatus and converting execution information of the specific
function mode in the customized information into converted
execution information described by using combination of the
plurality of jobs.
[0018] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of the present invention when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an
image forming system;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a view showing functional blocks of each image
forming apparatus;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a view showing function modes of image forming
apparatuses;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a view showing an operation panel and therearound
of an image forming apparatus in which an entry is made;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a view showing an operation panel and therearound
of an image forming apparatus by which a call-up is performed;
[0024] FIGS. 6 and 7 are views each showing a customized screen in
the operation panel;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a view showing a detailed setting screen of
continuous copy mode (multitray mode);
[0026] FIG. 9 is a view schematically showing an operation
including a function converting operation;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of setting information
(operation mode information);
[0028] FIG. 11 is a view showing a customized screen displayed on
another image forming apparatus;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a view showing converted operation mode
information (including converted tag information);
[0030] FIG. 13 is a view showing a plurality of jobs after
conversion;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a view showing converted operation mode
information;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a view showing a plurality of jobs after
conversion;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a view showing a display screen used for a user
intervention function;
[0034] FIG. 17 is a view showing additional entry of continuous
copy job into a job queue;
[0035] FIG. 18 is a view showing a running job check screen;
[0036] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing part of an operation flow in
an image forming apparatus (low function apparatus);
[0037] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing part of an operation flow of
an image forming apparatus (information converter);
[0038] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing part of the operation flow in
the image forming apparatus (low function apparatus);
[0039] FIG. 22 is a view illustrating an "enlarged continuous copy
mode";
[0040] FIG. 23 is a view showing a front side of a card-like
original manuscript;
[0041] FIG. 24 is a view showing a back side of the card-like
original manuscript;
[0042] FIG. 25 is a view showing an exemplary print output (copy
output) of a "card copy mode"; and
[0043] FIG. 26 is a view showing a display screen used for a user
intervention function.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment of the present
invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0045] <1. Overall System Configuration>
[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an
image forming system 100. The image forming system 100 comprises a
data management apparatus 90 and a plurality of image forming
apparatuses 1.
[0047] The data management apparatus 90 and the plurality of image
forming apparatuses 1 are connected to one another via a network
NW. Among the data management apparatus 90 and the image forming
apparatuses 1, data can be transmitted and received to/from one
another via the network NW. The network NW includes various
networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area
Network), the internet, and the like.
[0048] The data management apparatus 90 is configured as, for
example, a server computer (also referred to simply as "a server"),
a network storage (NAS: Network Attached Storage), or the like. The
data management apparatus 90 stores customized information and the
like discussed later.
[0049] Herein, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured also as
a Multi Function Peripheral (abbreviated as "MFP"). The MFP is an
apparatus (also referred to as a multifunction machine) comprising
a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, a
facsimile communication function and the like. Each image forming
apparatus 1 is not limited to a MFP but may be configured as a
copier, a scanner, or the like.
[0050] Further, herein, the plurality of image forming apparatuses
1 have similar constitutions. First, a common constitution of the
plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 will be discussed
below.
[0051] As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, each
image forming apparatus 1 comprises an image reading part 2, a
printing part 3, a communication part 4, a storage part 5, an
input/output part 6, and a controller 9, and multiply uses these
constituent parts to implement various functions.
[0052] The image reading part 2 is a processing part which
optically reads an original manuscript placed on a predetermined
position of the image forming apparatus 1 and generates image data
of the original manuscript (an original manuscript image).
[0053] The printing part 3 is an output part which prints out the
image to various media such as paper on the basis of the image data
on an object image.
[0054] The communication part 4 is a processing part capable of
performing facsimile communication via public networks or the like.
Further, the communication part 4 is capable of performing network
communication via a network NW. The network communication uses
various protocols such as TCP/IP (Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and the
like, and by using the network communication, the image forming
apparatus 1 can transmit and receive various data to/from desired
partners.
[0055] The storage part 5 is a storage device such as a hard disk
drive (HDD), a nonvolatile memory, or/and the like. In the storage
part 5, stored is the original manuscript image (image data)
generated by the image reading part 2, and the like.
[0056] The input/output part 6 comprises an operation input part 61
for receiving an input which is given to the image forming
apparatus 1 and a display part 62 for performing an display output
of various information. In more detail, the image forming apparatus
1 is provided with an operation panel 63 (see FIG. 1). The
operation panel 63 is configured as a touch screen which is a
liquid crystal display panel in which a piezoelectric sensor or the
like is embedded. The operation panel 63 serves not only as a part
of the display part 62 but also as a part of the operation input
part 61. The input/output part 6 is capable of receiving input
operations (e.g., an entry of a menu screen, an instruction for
copy given by using the menu screen, and the like) performed by an
operator (a user or the like).
[0057] The controller 9 is a control part for generally controlling
the image forming apparatus 1. The controller 9 is a computer
system which is embedded in the image forming apparatus 1 and
comprises a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM, ROM, and
the like). Various processing parts operate under the control of
the controller 9 to implement various functions of the image
forming apparatus 1. The controller 9 causes the CPU to execute a
predetermined software program (hereinafter, referred to simply as
a "program") PG stored in the ROM (e.g., EEPROM or the like), to
thereby implement various processing parts. The ROM also stores
various databases (e.g., a database used for performing an
operation mode converting process (discussed later), and the like).
Further, the program PG, the databases, or the like may be
downloaded via the network NW or acquired via various portable
recording media (non-transitory computer-readable recording media)
(e.g., a USB memory or the like).
[0058] Specifically, the controller 9 implements various processing
parts including an operation mode entry part 11, an operation mode
call part 12, an operation mode analysis part 13, a mode
information sending/receiving part 14, a mode information
conversion part 15, a job control part 16, and an inquiry target
determination part 17.
[0059] The operation mode entry part 11 is a processing part for
making an entry of operation setting information customized for a
specific user (referred to as "customized operation setting
information" or also referred to simply as "customized
information"). The operation mode entry part 11 makes an entry of
customized information in accordance with an operation input made
by a user. The customized information is sent from an apparatus
which makes an entry of the information (e.g., an image forming
apparatus 1c) to the data management apparatus 90 via the network
NW and stored into the data management apparatus 90.
[0060] The operation mode call part 12 is a processing part for
calling up the customized information stored in the data management
apparatus 90 out to an apparatus (e.g., an image forming apparatus
1a) including this part 12. The operation mode call part 12 causes
the customized information to be forwarded from the data management
apparatus 90 to the apparatus (the image forming apparatus 1a)
which calls up the information via the network NW and to be
acquired by the apparatus.
[0061] The operation mode analysis part 13 analyzes an operation
mode set as the customized information and determines whether or
not this operation mode can be executed by the apparatus including
this part 13.
[0062] The mode information sending/receiving part 14 sends and
receives operation mode information (discussed later) via the
network NW between another apparatus 1 and the data management
apparatus 90 or the like.
[0063] The mode information conversion part 15 is a processing part
for converting execution information of a specific function mode
(discussed later) included in the operation mode (i.e., information
used for executing the specific function mode) into "converted
execution information". The converted execution information is
execution information used for executing the same function as that
of the specific function mode in at least one of the plurality of
image forming apparatuses.
[0064] Specifically, as discussed later, the conversion is
performed by dividing an operation to be executed in the specific
function mode (discussed later) into a plurality of jobs. In the
present preferred embodiment, it is assumed that the mode
information conversion part 15 of an image forming apparatus 1b
performs the operation mode converting process and the mode
information conversion part 15 of the image forming apparatus 1a
and the mode information conversion part 15 of the image forming
apparatus 1c are not used. In other words, only the image forming
apparatus 1b functions as an information converter for converting
the mode information. Therefore, the mode information conversion
part 15 has only to be provided in the image forming apparatus 1b
and the image forming apparatuses 1a and 1c do not necessarily need
to have the mode information conversion part 15.
[0065] The job control part 16 is a processing part for controlling
a job to be executed in the image forming apparatus 1. The job
control part 16 performs a job entry, a job execution control, a
job delete, a job execution order control, and the like.
[0066] The inquiry target determination part 17 is a processing
part for determining an apparatus to which an inquiry on the
operation mode conversion is made. In the present preferred
embodiment, it is assumed that the apparatus to which an inquiry is
made is determined in advance. Therefore, the inquiry target
determination part 17 always determines the image forming apparatus
(1b) which is determined in advance as the apparatus to which an
inquiry is made. This is, however, only one exemplary case, and an
apparatus to which an inquiry is made may be determined by
communication among the plurality of apparatuses.
[0067] Each of these image forming apparatuses 1 has such a
constitution as generally discussed above.
[0068] In the present preferred embodiment, however, the image
forming apparatus 1a and the image forming apparatus 1c have
different capabilities. Specifically, the image forming apparatus
1a has a relatively small number of functions, which may be simply
referred to as a "low function apparatus". On the other hand, the
image forming apparatus 1c has a relatively large number of
functions, which may be simply referred to as a "high function
apparatus". Herein, the image forming apparatus 1c is a model
superior to the image forming apparatus 1a and has all the
functions which the image forming apparatus 1a has.
[0069] FIG. 3 is a view showing function modes of a plurality of
types of image forming apparatuses. As shown in FIG. 3, an
apparatus on the left side has a smaller number of functions and an
apparatus on the right side has a larger number of functions.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, an image forming apparatus 1 of the
functional level L1 has a plurality of functions such as
"Single-sided/Double-sided Printing", "N in 1", "BOX Storage", "BOX
Call", "BOX Document Edit", "User Intervention Function", and the
like. An image forming apparatus 1 of the functional level L2 has
functions of "Trimming" and "Form Overlay" as well as the functions
that the image forming apparatus 1 of the functional level L1 has.
An image forming apparatus 1 of the functional level L3 has a
function of "Enlarged Continuous Copy" as well as the functions
that the image forming apparatus 1 of the functional level L2 has.
An image forming apparatus 1 of the functional level L4 has
functions of "Card Copy" and "Continuous Copy" as well as the
functions that the image forming apparatus 1 of the functional
level L3 has. An image forming apparatus 1 of the functional level
L5 has functions of "Ground Tint Printing" and "Card
Authentication" as well as the functions that the image forming
apparatus 1 of the functional level L4 has.
[0071] Herein, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 1a is
the apparatus of the functional level L2 and the image forming
apparatus 1c is the apparatus of the functional level L4. The image
forming apparatus 1b has the same functions as the image forming
apparatus 1c has, and in other words, the image forming apparatus
1b is the apparatus of the functional level L4.
[0072] FIG. 4 is a view showing the operation panel 63 (63c) and
therearound of the image forming apparatus 1c, and FIG. 5 is a view
showing the operation panel 63 (63a) and therearound of the image
forming apparatus 1a. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the operation
panels 63c and 63a, displayed are respective function setting
screens (basic menu screens) relating to the image forming
apparatuses 1c and 1a.
[0073] As can be seen from the comparison between FIGS. 4 and 5,
displayed contents of the column of "Application" in the operation
panels 63 are different from each other. Specifically, in the
column of "Application" of the operation panel 63c in FIG. 4, there
are buttons for selecting the functions of "Enlarged Continuous
Copy", "Continuous Copy", and "Card Copy". On the other hand, in
the column of "Application" of the operation panel 63a in FIG. 5,
there is no button for selecting the function of "Enlarged
Continuous Copy", "Continuous Copy", or "Card Copy". This is
because the image forming apparatus 1c of the functional level L4
has the functions of "Enlarged Continuous Copy", "Continuous Copy",
and "Card Copy" while the image forming apparatus 1a of the
functional level L2 do not have the function of "Enlarged
Continuous Copy", "Continuous Copy", or "Card Copy" (see FIG.
3).
[0074] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in each of the operation panels
63 of the image forming apparatuses 1, provided are various buttons
BN1 to BN5, BN11, BN12, and BN20 (BN21 to BN30) of the operation
input part 61. The button BN1 is a selection button for "Copy" and
the button BN2 is a selection button for "Scan". The button BN3 is
a selection button for "FAX" and the button BN4 is a selection
button for "Print". The button BN5 is a button used for displaying
a screen for entry of an operation setting customized for a current
user and will be discussed later in detail. The button BN11 is a
button for "Login/Logout" and the button BN12 is a button for
"Start". The button BN20 (in more detail, BN21 to BN30) is a
numeric keypad (ten key) for inputting numerals.
[0075] Each user can use a login screen (not shown) to be displayed
on the operation panel 63c in response to the pressing of the
button BN11 to perform a login operation. More specifically, when
the user inputs his user ID and password in a predetermined area of
the login screen, the image forming apparatus 1 compares the
inputted information on the user ID and the password with
information registered in advance. It is thereby possible to
determine whether the login user is a registered user (authorized
user) or not and the login is OK or not.
[0076] <2. Customized Screen>
[0077] Next, a customized screen for each user will be
discussed.
[0078] Each user can determine a desired setting by using such a
setting screen as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and cause the image
forming apparatus 1 to execute an operation specified by the
setting. Repeating such a setting operation every time, however, is
bothersome and may cause an operational problem.
[0079] Then, in order to solve the problem, this image forming
system 100 makes it possible to make an entry of typical operation
setting (referred to also as an operation mode) in advance for each
user and call up the operation setting at the execution of the
operation. As discussed later, a customized screen for each user
(and customized operation setting information and the like) is
common to a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1. In other
words, each user can call up customized information which is
customized for the user from the plurality of image forming
apparatuses 1 in the image forming system 100 to use it.
[0080] For example, a user can make an entry of an operation of
making "two copies" of an original in a "2 in 1 mode" in advance as
a customized operation setting for the user. Alternatively, the
user can also make an entry of an operation of making "two copies"
of an original in a "continuous copy mode (multitray mode)"
(discussed later) and a "2 in 1 mode" in advance as a customized
operation setting for the user. Further, the user can call up the
customized operation setting (customized information) registered in
advance from the image forming apparatus by which the user makes
the entry or a different image forming apparatus at an appropriate
point of time to easily perform the same operation. The "continuous
copy mode (multitray mode)" refers to a mode used for sequentially
making a print on pieces of paper held in a plurality of trays. The
"continuous copy mode" is used in a case, for example, where pieces
of paper of different colors (blue, red, yellow, green, and white,
or the like) are held in five trays TL1 to TL5 and the same content
is printed on the paper of different colors.
[0081] The entry and call-up of such operations are performed by
using the customized screen (setting screen) discussed next.
[0082] Hereinafter, an operation for entry of a customized screen
(and customized information) or the like in the image forming
apparatus 1c will be discussed. This entry operation is performed
by the operation mode entry part 11 of the image forming apparatus
1c.
[0083] FIG. 6 is a view showing a customized screen (referred to
also as a menu screen) GA (GAc) or the like in the operation panel
63c of the image forming apparatus 1c. The screen GAc is a screen
to be displayed on the operation panel 63c in response to the
pressing of the "Mode Entry/Call" button BN5 after the login of an
operator (user).
[0084] By using the screen GAc, each user can make an entry of an
operation setting (referred to as an operation mode) customized for
the user in advance.
[0085] The screen GAc of FIG. 6 has a plurality of (virtual)
buttons BN31, BN32, BN41 to BN52. The buttonBN31 is used for
calling up a customized operation setting (referred to also as an
operation mode). On the other hand, the button BN32 is used for
making an entry of a customized operation setting (referred to also
as an operation mode). Customized operations are associated with
the plurality of buttons BN41 to BN52 arranged in a 3 by 4 matrix
and entries of the customized operations are set to the
corresponding buttons. These buttons BN31, BN32, BN41 to BN52 are
software keys (softkeys). On the other hand, the above buttons BN1
to BN5, BN11, BN12, BN20 (BN21 to BN30) are hardware keys
(hardkeys). This is, however, only an exemplary case, and each
button may be a hardware key or a software key.
[0086] For example, after an appropriate setting operation is made,
by pressing the button BN32 and so on, a user UA can make an entry
of new setting information (operation mode).
[0087] Specifically, first in the basic menu screen of FIG. 4, the
user UA presses the key (ten key) BN22 of numeral "2" to set the
number of copies to "two". The user UA further presses the "2 in 1
mode" button of the aggregate print to set the "2 in 1 mode" and
then presses the "Continuous Copy" button of the application to set
the "continuous copy mode (multitray mode)". For setting the
continuous copy mode, for example, such a screen as shown in FIG. 8
is used. By using the screen of FIG. 8, a plurality of trays to be
used in the continuous copy mode are selected and set in accordance
with the order of print. For example, the user UA has only to
select a desired one out of a plurality of tray options ("Tray
TL1", "Tray TL2", . . . ) included in the column of "Tray Options"
and press a "left arrow key (.rarw.)" in the center of the screen
to move the selected tray to the column of "Selected Trays (Order
of Use)". By performing an operation of setting the trays in
accordance with the order of print, a plurality of selected trays
are arranged in the column of "Selected Trays (Order of Use)" on
the left side of the screen from the top in accordance with the
order of print. In FIG. 8, shown are "1: Tray TL1", "2: Tray TL2",
. . . and this means that the "tray TL1" is the first tray to be
used for print, the "tray TL2" is the second tray to be used for
print, and the like.
[0088] After that, the user UA presses the "Mode Entry/Call" button
BN5 to display the screen GAc (FIG. 6) on the operation panel 63c.
At this point of time, however, the buttons BN41 to BN52 are not
displayed yet in the screen GAc.
[0089] Then, when the user UA presses the "Entry" button BN32 in
the screen GAc, the image forming apparatus 1c communicates with
the data management apparatus 90 to receive the customized
information relating to the user UA and displays the buttons BN41
to BN52 in the screen GAc. Herein, it is assumed that the entries
of the contents with such names as "1: Job JA", "2: Job JB", and
"3: Job JC" have been set to the buttons BN41, BN42, and BN43,
respectively, and the respective button names are displayed in the
buttons BN41 to BN43. In each of the other buttons BN44 to BN52 to
which no entry of content is set, there is an indication of
"Free".
[0090] Then, the user UA presses the button BN44 for new entry. In
response to the pressing of the button BN44, a button name input
screen (not shown) is displayed and a name "Job JD" is given by
using the button name input screen. When an OK button (not shown)
in the button name input screen is pressed, an entry of the setting
information indicating that "two copies" are made by using the
"continuous copy mode" and the "2 in 1 mode" is set to the button
BN44. The setting information (entry information) relating to the
button Bn44 is sent from the image forming apparatus 1c to the data
management apparatus 90 in response to the pressing of the OK
button (see FIG. 9).
[0091] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of setting information
(operation mode information). The setting information is described
in an XML (Extensible Markup Language) format as shown in FIG. 10
and stored. The description "<Key-Num>4</Key-Num>"
indicates that the button for new entry is the "fourth" button
BN44, and the description "<Copier-Mode>" indicates a coy
mode. The description "<Copies>2</Copies>" indicates
that the number of copies is "two", and the description
"<Nin1>2 in1</Nin1>" indicates that the "2 in 1 mode"
is specified as the function mode (aggregate print mode). Further,
the description "<Multi-tray-copy>tray=1, tray=2, tray=3,
tray=4, tray=5</Multi-tray-copy>" indicates that the
"continuous copy mode" is specified as the function mode and
printing (copying) is performed for pieces of paper held in the
five trays TL1, TL2, TL3, TL4, and TL5 in this order. The setting
information is described thus, for example.
[0092] Each user can call up the registered setting information
(operation mode) by pressing the button BN31. The user UA can call
up the setting information set in the operation panel 63c by
pressing the button BN31 in the operation panel 63c.
[0093] Further, each user can call up the registered setting
information from the data management apparatus 90 also in the image
forming apparatus 1a different from the image forming apparatus 1c
in which the entry operation is performed. Specifically, in the
present image forming system 100, the customized screen (customized
operation setting and the like) for each user is common to a
plurality of image forming apparatuses.
[0094] For example, the user UA can call up the setting information
(operation mode) of which the entry is made in the image forming
apparatus 1c (referred to also as an apparatus in which the entry
is made or an apparatus in which the information is generated) from
another image forming apparatus 1a (referred to as a calling
apparatus). Specifically, the operation mode call part 12 of the
image forming apparatus 1a calls up the customized information
stored in the data management apparatus 90 to the apparatus 1a.
[0095] In more detail, after the login to the image forming
apparatus 1a, the user UA presses the "Mode Entry/Call" button BN5
(FIG. 5). The same screen GAa (in which the buttons BN41 to BN52
are not displayed yet) as the screen GAc shown in FIG. 7 is
displayed on the operation panel 63a of the image forming apparatus
1a. Then, when the user UA presses the button BN31 on the operation
panel 63a, the image forming apparatus 1a communicates with the
data management apparatus 90 to receive the customized information
(setting information) relating to the user UA from the data
management apparatus 90 and displays the buttons BN41 to BN52 in
the screen GAa on the basis of the received customized information.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the same screen GAa as the screen
GAc shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the operation panel 63a of the
image forming apparatus 1a.
[0096] The user UA can select an operation corresponding to the
"Job JD" by using the screen GAa.
[0097] As discussed above, however, the image forming apparatus 1a
is a model inferior to the image forming apparatus 1c and does not
the function of "continuous copy mode". Therefore, if no measure is
taken, the image forming apparatus 1a cannot perform the function
of "continuous copy mode" since there is a difference in function
between the image forming apparatus 1a and the image forming
apparatus 1c as discussed above.
[0098] Then, in the present preferred embodiment, an exemplary case
will be discussed below, where a specific function mode (e.g., the
"continuous copy mode") which can be performed in the image forming
apparatus 1c is divided into a plurality of jobs which can be
performed in the image forming apparatus 1a and the same function
as that of the specific function mode is reconstructed by combining
some of the plurality of jobs. In short, discussion will be made on
a case where an operation of converting the function mode (the
operation is referred to also as a function converting operation)
is performed. By such a converting operation, even when a specific
function mode is not included in the image forming apparatus 1a,
the image forming apparatus 1a can perform the same function as
that of the specific function mode.
[0099] Hereinafter, discussion will be made on a case where the
image forming apparatus 1b performs such a function converting
operation. Specifically, in response to the inquiry from the image
forming apparatus 1a, the image forming apparatus 1b divides
specific functions to be implemented in a specific function mode
(e.g., the "continuous copy mode") into a combination of a
plurality of jobs and generates the combination of the plurality of
jobs as a job (substitution job or alternative job) corresponding
to the specific function mode. The substitution job is sent from
the image forming apparatus 1b to the image forming apparatus 1a
(see FIG. 9).
[0100] <3. Operation>
[0101] FIG. 9 is a view schematically showing an operation
including such a function converting operation.
[0102] Herein, it is assumed, as shown in FIG. 9, that the user UA
first generates setting information and makes an entry of the
setting information in the image forming apparatus 1c and the
setting information is forwarded to and stored into the data
management apparatus 90 (Steps S2 and S3).
[0103] In subsequent Step S4, as discussed above, when the user UA
logs in the image forming apparatus 1a and presses the "Mode
Entry/Call" button BN5 (FIG. 5), the image forming apparatus 1a
displays the screen GAa (see FIG. 11) (the buttons BN41 to BN52 are
not displayed yet) on the operation panel 63a. When the user UA
further presses the button BN31 on the operation panel 63a, the
image forming apparatus 1a communicates with the data management
apparatus 90 to receive the customized information relating to the
user UA from the data management apparatus 90. Then, the image
forming apparatus 1a displays the buttons BN41 to BN52 in the
screen GAa on the basis of the received customized information. As
a result, the screen GAa shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the
operation panel 63a of the image forming apparatus 1a.
[0104] Hereinafter, the following operation will be discussed with
reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. Specifically, discussion will be made
on a case where in response to the pressing of the button BN44 in
the screen GAa (FIG. 11) of the image forming apparatus 1a, a
call-up instruction (execution preparing instruction) for an
operation relating to the "Job JD" is given. FIG. 19 is a flowchart
showing part of an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1a
(low function apparatus), and in other words, a flowchart showing
an operation corresponding to Steps S4 and S6 of FIG. 9. FIG. 20 is
a flowchart showing part of an operation flow of the image forming
apparatus 1b (referred to as an information converter or a mode
conversion apparatus), and in other words, a flowchart showing an
operation corresponding to Step S5 of FIG. 9.
[0105] When the user UA presses the button BN44 on the operation
panel 63a of the image forming apparatus 1a, the image forming
apparatus 1a detects that an operation mode MA4 corresponding to
the "Job JD" set to the button BN44 is called up. Then, when it is
detected that the operation mode MA4 corresponding to the "Job JD"
is called up in Step S21 of FIG. 19, the process goes to Step
S22.
[0106] In Step S22, the image forming apparatus 1a (in detail, the
operation mode call part 12 and the mode information
sending/receiving part 14 thereof) acquires therein the operation
mode information MJ4 (FIG. 10) received from the data management
apparatus 90. Herein, it is assumed that when pieces of information
on the buttons BN41 to BN52 are acquired, pieces of operation mode
information corresponding to these buttons are received by the
image forming apparatus 1a and the operation mode information MJ4
corresponding to the "Job JD" (the button BN44) is extracted and
acquired out of a plurality of operation mode information which are
received. This is, however, only an exemplary case, and the image
forming apparatus 1a may communicate with the data management
apparatus 90 to acquire the operation mode information MJ4 in Step
S22.
[0107] In next Step S23, the image forming apparatus 1a (in detail,
the operation mode analysis part 13 thereof) determines whether or
not the content (function mode or the like) which cannot be
executed in the apparatus 1a is included in the operation mode
information MJ4. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1a
determines whether or not a specific function mode which is
installed in the image forming apparatus 1c and not installed (yet)
in the image forming apparatus 1a is included in the operation mode
information MJ4 in the customized information.
[0108] In more detail, the image forming apparatus 1a determines
whether or not each function mode included in the operation mode
information MJ4 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1a, on
the basis of information on the functional level (hereinafter,
referred to also as "functional level information") of the image
forming apparatus 1a. More specifically, the image forming
apparatus 1a makes the determination on the basis of whether or not
the operation mode information MJ4 described in the XML format
includes unanalyzable tag information. Herein, it is assumed that
the functional level information is stored inside this apparatus
(the image forming apparatus 1a). The "functional level
information" may be referred to also as "possessed-function
information" which is information on the functions possessed by the
image forming apparatus 1a.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1a is an
apparatus of the functional level L2 and has the functions of "N in
1" and the like but does not have the function mode of "continuous
copy mode". On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, the description
"<Multi-tray-copy>tray=1, tray=2, tray=3, tray=4,
tray=5</Multi-tray-copy>" (tag information TG41) relating to
the operation to be executed in the function mode of "continuous
copy mode" is included in the operation mode information MJ4
described in the XML format (see FIG. 10). In other words, the
operation mode information MJ4 includes the tag information TG41
which cannot be analyzed by the image forming apparatus 1a. In such
a case, the image forming apparatus 1a determines that the tag
information TG41 which cannot be analyzed by this apparatus is
included in the operation mode information MJ4 and detects the tag
information TG41 as "unanalyzable tag information" ("Y" (YES) in
Step S23). In the present specification, the "tag information"
means information described with tags. Particularly, information
including a character string (<Multi-tray-copy>)
parenthesized by a pair of signs "<" and ">" is referred to
as "tag information" and information (TG41 and the like) including
a character string sandwiched between a pair of tags (e.g.,
"<Multi-tray-copy>" and "</Multi-tray-copy>") is also
referred to as "tag information".
[0110] Detecting the tag information TG41 as "unanalyzable tag
information", the image forming apparatus 1a sends a conversion
request (conversion request data) indicating that the operation
mode information should be converted to the image forming apparatus
1b. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1a (in detail, the
operation mode analysis part 13, the mode information
sending/receiving part 14, and the like thereof) sends the
operation mode information MJ4 including the tag information TG41,
and the like, as the conversion request data (or with the
conversion request data) to the image forming apparatus 1b (Step
S25). The image forming apparatus 1a also sends capability
information MB indicating the performance (capability) and the like
of this apparatus to the image forming apparatus 1b. The capability
information MB has, for example, functional level information MC
relating to the functions of this apparatus (the image forming
apparatus 1a) and information MD relating to the apparatus
configuration (including an optional configuration and the like)
(the information is referred to also as "apparatus configuration
information"). The functional level information MC includes
information indicating which of the functional levels L1 to L5 the
functional level of this apparatus is, and the like and the
apparatus configuration information MD includes information
indicating the number of trays provided in this apparatus, and the
like.
[0111] If there is no unanalyzable tag information in the operation
mode information MJ4, or in other words, if all of the operation
mode information MJ4 are analyzable ("N" (NO) in Step S23), the
process goes to Step S24, and the image forming apparatus 1a holds
the operation mode information MJ4. When the operation of Step S24
is finished, the process goes to the next operation of job control
(see Step S7 of FIG. 9).
[0112] In the case where the unanalyzable tag information TG41 is
included in the operation mode information MJ4, when the tag
information TG41 and the like are sent to the image forming
apparatus 1b (in Step S25 of FIG. 19), the image forming apparatus
1b executes such an operation as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20
(which corresponds to the operation of Step S5 shown in FIG.
9).
[0113] As shown in FIG. 20, the image forming apparatus 1b (in
detail, the mode information sending/receiving part 14, the mode
information conversion part 15, and the like thereof) first
determines whether or not the tag information included in the
operation mode information MJ4 can be converted on the basis of the
information MJ4 and MB received from the image forming apparatus 1a
in Step S31.
[0114] In more detail, particularly on the basis of the functional
level information MC out of the capability information MB of the
image forming apparatus 1a which is a sender, it is detected
whether or not there is a tag which cannot be analyzed by the image
forming apparatus 1a and determined whether to convert each tag
information.
[0115] In the above operation, it is detected, for example, that
the tag information TG41 out of the pieces of tag information shown
in FIG. 10 is tag information corresponding to the function mode
(specifically, the "continuous copy mode") which cannot be analyzed
by the image forming apparatus 1a of the functional level L2.
[0116] Then, the image forming apparatus 1b determines whether or
not the "continuous copy mode" can be converted into a plurality of
jobs. In other words, it is determined whether or not a converting
function (an operation mode converting function and the like) of
the image forming apparatus 1b can respond to the "continuous copy
mode". Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is possible
for the image forming apparatus 1b to convert the tag information
TG41 of the "continuous copy mode" into tag information formed of a
combination consisting of a plurality of jobs (discussed later). In
more detail, the image forming apparatus 1b determines whether or
not this apparatus has a converting function for the continuous
copy mode. Herein, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus
1b has the converting function for the continuous copy mode.
[0117] If the image forming apparatus 1b has the converting
function for the continuous copy mode (the conversion result is
good), the process goes to Step S34. In Step S34, such a conversion
as discussed later is performed on the basis of a conversion
database DB (discussed later) and the like and operation mode
information MR4 (, MS4) including converted tag information TR41 (,
TS41) is sent from the image forming apparatus 1b to the image
forming apparatus 1a. In other words, the operation mode
information including a plurality of converted job information is
sent back.
[0118] On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 1b does
not have the converting function for the continuous copy mode (the
conversion result is not good), the process goes to Step S33. In
Step S33, a message that the mode conversion is impossible is sent
from the image forming apparatus 1b to the image forming apparatus
1a.
[0119] The conversion in Step S34 is performed by the mode
information conversion part 15 and the like of the image forming
apparatus 1b and the sending (returning) operation in Steps S33 and
S34 is performed by the mode information sending/receiving part 14
and the like of the image forming apparatus 1b.
[0120] Next, the conversion and the like in Step S34 will be
discussed.
[0121] For example, the original tag information TG41 is converted
into the tag information TR41 (see FIG. 12) which can be analyzed
by the image forming apparatus 1a and the original operation mode
information MJ4 is converted into the operation mode information
MR4 (see FIG. 12) which can be analyzed by the image forming
apparatus 1a.
[0122] FIG. 12 is a view showing the converted operation mode
information MR4. As shown in FIG. 12, the converted operation mode
information MR4 includes the converted tag information TR4. The
executing operation described in the original tag information TG41
is divided into the following seven jobs (described in an area
sandwiched between the tag "<Multi-tray-copy>" and the tag
"</Multi-tray-copy>") and reconstructed by the seven jobs.
Specifically, the original tag information TG41 is converted into
the new tag information TR41 relating to the seven jobs. As shown
in FIG. 13, the seven jobs are the following jobs B1 to B7:
(B1) "BOX Storage": store an image (scan image) acquired by a scan
operation into a predetermined box (e.g., a system box) as a
temporary file (file name="temp20090921180125", (B2) "BOX Call":
select the tray TL1 and print the temporary file, (B3) "BOX Call":
select the tray TL2 and print the temporary file, (B4) "BOX Call":
select the tray TL3 and print the temporary file, (B5) "BOX Call":
select the tray TL4 and print the temporary file, (B6) "BOX Call":
select the tray TL5 and print the temporary file, and (B7) "BOX
Document Edit": delete the temporary file in the box.
[0123] These jobs B1 to B7 are described in the XML format, for
example, as shown in FIG. 12. More specifically, the jobs B1 to B7
are described as:
(B1)
<Scan-to-box>filename=temp20090921180125</Scan-to-box>,
(B2) <Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125,
tray=1</Box-to-print>, (B3)
<Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125,
tray=2</Box-to-print>, (B4)
<Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125,
tray=3</Box-to-print>, (B5)
<Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125,
tray=4</Box-to-print>, (B6)
<Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125,
tray=5</Box-to-print>, (B7)
<Box-file-delete>filename=temp20090921180125,
[0124] attribute=not_delete</Box-file-delete>.
[0125] Thus, having received the conversion request from the image
forming apparatus 1a, the image forming apparatus 1b (the mode
information conversion part 15) divides the operation to be
executed correspondingly to the "continuous copy mode (multitray
mode)" into a plurality of jobs (B1 to B7). Then, the image forming
apparatus 1b converts the execution information (in detail, the tag
information TG41) of the "continuous copy mode" into converted
execution information (in detail, the tag information TR41)
described by using a combination of the pieces of execution
information of a plurality of jobs (B1 to B7). In short, the
original tag information TG41 is converted into the new tag
information TR41. The original operation mode information MJ4 is
converted into the new operation mode information MR4.
[0126] Then, when the image forming apparatus 1a executes the jobs
B1 to B7 described in the tag information TR41 of the operation
mode information MR4, the same function as that of the "continuous
copy mode" is implemented in the image forming apparatus 1a. In
other words, the customized information customized for a specific
user in the image forming apparatus 1c or the like can be used in
another image forming apparatus 1a.
[0127] In this case, the converted tag information TR41 is very
useful when the number of trays in the image forming apparatus 1a
is not smaller than the number of trays in the image forming
apparatus 1c (five or more).
[0128] When the number of trays provided in the image forming
apparatus 1a is three and the trays TL4 and TL5 are not present in
the image forming apparatus 1a, however, the above-discussed
conversion is not always sufficient. For this reason, it is
preferable that the number of trays in the image forming apparatus
1a should be taken into consideration.
[0129] Hereinafter, discussion will be made on a case where the
above conversion is performed by using not only the functional
level information MC but also the apparatus configuration
information MD among the capability information MB of the image
forming apparatus 1a which gives the conversion request. In more
detail, by using also the information on the number of trays
included in the apparatus configuration information MD, it is
determined whether or not the five trays TL1 to TL5 included in the
tag information TG41 are provided in the image forming apparatus
1a. Then, if it is determined that the number of trays provided in
the image forming apparatus 1a is short, such tag information TS41
(another tag information TS41 which can be analyzed by the image
forming apparatus 1a) as described below, using also a user
intervention function, is generated. In other words, the tag
information TG41 is converted into the tag information TS41. The
"user intervention function" is a function using the intervention
of the user. As the user intervention function, for example, used
is a function for once changing the state of the apparatus into a
standby state and thereafter waiting until user's operation of
changing paper or the like (user intervention) is finished.
[0130] FIG. 14 is a view showing the converted operation mode
information MS4. As shown in FIG. 14, the converted operation mode
information MS4 includes the converted tag information TS41. The
executing operation described in the original tag information TG41
is divided into the following eight jobs (described in an area
sandwiched between the tag "<Multi-tray-copy>" and the tag
"</Multi-tray-copy>") and reconstructed by the eight jobs.
Specifically, the original tag information TG41 is converted into
the new tag information TS41 relating to the eight jobs. As shown
in FIG. 15, the eight jobs are the following jobs B1 to B8:
(E1) "BOX Storage": store an image (scan image) acquired by a scan
operation into a predetermined box (e.g., a system box) as a
temporary file (file name="temp20090921180125", (E2) "BOX Call":
select the tray TL1 and print the temporary file, (E3) "BOX Call":
select the tray TL2 and print the temporary file, (E4) "BOX Call":
select the tray TL3 and print the temporary file, (E5) "User
Intervention Function": display "PLEASE CHANGE PAPER IN THE TRAYS 1
& 2 TO DESIRED PAPER. WHEN READY, PLEASE PRESS THE START KEY."
on the operation panel; Start when the start key is pressed, (E6)
"BOX Call": select the tray TL1 and print the temporary file, (E7)
"BOX Call": select the tray TL2 and print the temporary file, and
(E8) "BOX Document Edit": delete the temporary file in the box.
[0131] These jobs are to sequentially execute the following
operations. Specifically, the job E1 is a job for storing the scan
image into a box (job E1). The following jobs E2, E3, and E4 are
jobs for printing the scan image in the box on the paper in the
trays TL1, TL2, and TL3, respectively. The next job E5 is a job for
performing the user intervention function, i.e., a job for
displaying such a screen as shown in FIG. 16 on the operation panel
63a and thereafter waiting for the input of the start key. The
screen is displayed after the end of the job E4. In accordance with
the instruction of the screen, the user changes the paper in the
trays TL1 and TL2 and presses the start key again, to thereby
continue the process. Further, the jobs E6 and E7 are jobs for
printing the scan image in the box on the paper in the trays TL1
and TL2, respectively, after the input of the start key. The job E8
is a job for deleting the scan image which is temporarily stored in
the box.
[0132] These jobs B1 to B8 are described in the XML format, for
example, as shown in FIG. 14. More specifically, the jobs B1 to B8
are described as:
(E1)
<Scan-to-box>filename=temp20090921180125</Scan-to-box>,
(E2) <Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125,
tray=1</Box-to-print>, (E3)
<Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125,
tray=2</Box-to-print>, (E4)
<Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125,
tray=3</Box-to-print>, (E5)
<Wait-operation>print_string="PLEASE CHANGE PAPER IN THE
TRAYS1 & 2 TO DESIRED PAPER. WHEN READY, PLEASE PRESS THE START
KEY.", wait=start_key, (E6)
<Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125,
tray=1</Box-to-print>, (E7)
<Box-to-print>filename=temp20090921180125,
tray=2</Box-to-print>, (E8)
<Box-file-delete>filename=temp20090921180125,
[0133] attribute=not_delete</Box-file-delete>.
Further, the file name of the temporary box may be automatically
determined by the image forming apparatus 1b.
[0134] In this case, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus
1b has the conversion database DB relating to the function modes
therein in advance. The conversion database DB defines the
correspondence between the execution information of each function
mode and a plurality of jobs after the conversion in advance. For
example, as to the continuous copy mode, conversion data (referred
to also as a conversion program) with the number of trays (required
trays) to be used in the continuous copy mode and the number of
trays provided in the apparatus (image forming apparatus 1a) which
performs this mode as an input parameter (variables) is stored in
advance. Then, in accordance with the number of required trays and
the number of provided trays, such a description in the XML format
as discussed above is automatically outputted. Specifically, the
number of required trays is calculated on the basis of the original
tag information TG41 and compared with the number of trays provided
in the image forming apparatus 1a. Then, when the number of
required trays is not larger than the number of provided trays, the
converted execution information not including the user intervention
function (the tag information TR41 or the like) is generated. On
the other hand, when the number of required trays is larger than
the number of provided trays, the converted execution information
including the user intervention function (the tag information TS41
or the like) is generated. Thus, the converted tag information TS41
(or TR41) is generated from the original tag information TG41.
[0135] Thus, the original tag information TG41 is converted into
the new tag information TS41 and the original operation mode
information MJ4 is converted into the new operation mode
information MS4.
[0136] Referring back to FIG. 19, when the image forming apparatus
1a receives the conversion result from the image forming apparatus
1b (Step S26), a branch operation in accordance with the conversion
result is performed.
[0137] Receiving the operation mode information MS4 (or MR4 or the
like)--including the converted tag information TS41 (or TR41 or the
like), the image forming apparatus 1a holds the operation mode
information therein (stores the operation mode information into a
temporary memory or the like) ("Y" in Step S27, then Step S29) and
completes the process of this flowchart (END). On the other hand,
receiving a result report indicating that the conversion result is
not good (in detail, the conversion cannot be performed) ("N" in
Step S27), the image forming apparatus 1a displays a warning screen
(not shown) indicating that a specified operation (an operation
specified by pressing the button BN44) cannot be executed on the
operation panel 63a. The image forming apparatus 1a further cancels
the specification of the specified operation mode (Step S28) and
completes the process of this flowchart (END).
[0138] After Step S29, the operation of Step S7 shown in FIG. 9 is
performed. Specifically, first, the image forming apparatus 1a
makes an additional entry of the jobs based on the operation mode
information MS4 (or MR4) or the like into a job queue (see FIG.
17). Then, in accordance with the order of execution, the jobs are
sequentially executed. For example, the eight jobs E1 to E8
included in the operation mode information MS4 are registered
additionally to the existing waiting jobs. When the time to execute
the eight jobs E1 to E8 comes, the eight jobs E1 to E8 are
sequentially executed. The job entry operation, the job execution
control operation, and the like are performed by the job control
part 16 of the image forming apparatus 1a.
[0139] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the job entry operation. The
job entry operation shown in FIG. 21 is performed after Steps S29
and S24 in the flowchart of FIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 21, first,
when the image forming apparatus 1a detects that the start key
(start button) BN12 is pressed, it is determined that an execution
instruction for a call-up job (in detail, a job corresponding to
the operation mode information called up in response to the
pressing of the button BN44 and the like) is given, and the process
goes to Step S42. In Step S42, it is determined whether such a
substitution job as above (the converted operation mode information
(MS4, MR4, or the like)) is acquired or not. If the converted
operation mode information (substitution job) is acquired, the
substitution job described in the converted operation mode
information is additionally registered into a job control table
(Step S44). On the other hand, if the converted operation mode
information (substitution job) is not acquired (the original tag
information does not need to be converted), the original operation
mode information (MJ4 or the like) is additionally registered into
the job control table as information on the next job (Step
S44).
[0140] In the above operation, the image forming apparatus 1a sends
the conversion request to the image forming apparatus 1b
(information converter) if a specific function mode which this
apparatus cannot perform is included in the customized information
(Step S25 of FIG. 19). Receiving the conversion request from the
image forming apparatus 1a, the image forming apparatus 1b (the
mode information conversion part 15) divides the operation to be
executed in the "continuous copy mode (multitray mode)" into the
plurality of jobs E1 to E8. Then, the image forming apparatus 1b
converts the execution information (in detail, the tag information)
of the "continuous copy mode" into the converted execution
information described by using the combination of pieces of
execution information of the jobs E1 to E8 (Step S34). After that,
when the operation relating to the jobs E1 to E8 are performed by
the image forming apparatus 1a in accordance with the description
of the tag information TS41 in the operation mode information MS4,
the same function as that of the "continuous copy mode" is
implemented also in the image forming apparatus 1a.
[0141] Therefore, according to the above aspect, the customized
information which is customized for a specific user in the image
forming apparatus 1c or the like can be used also in another image
forming apparatus 1a. Specifically even if a specific function mode
in the customized information is not installed in an image forming
apparatus (1a), the same function can be implemented in the image
forming apparatus (1a). In other words, the operation setting
information customized for a specific user can be easily used by a
plurality of image forming apparatuses (1a, 1c, and the like).
[0142] It is preferable that the job registered in the job queue
can be deleted (interrupted) during waiting period or during
execution. It is assumed, for example, that a copy job in the
above-discussed continuous copy mode is registered as the fifth job
(together with other four jobs) in such an entry job check screen
as shown in FIG. 18. In this case, it has only to be so configured
that the copy job can be deleted when a part CP which corresponds
to the copy job in the fifth stage is pressed by a finger of the
user for selection and thereafter a job delete button BN62 is
pressed. Further, in this case, it is desirable that the above jobs
E1 to E8 should be treated systematically. In other words, it is
desirable that the plurality of jobs E1 to E8 should be treated
systematically as a plurality of subjobs relating to the
"continuous copy job". When an instruction that the copy job
(continuous copy job) should be deleted is received after the
execution of the subjob E1 and before the execution of the subjob
E7, it is desirable that the subjobs other than the subjob E8
should be deleted while the subjob E8 should be left, not being
deleted. It is thereby possible to surely delete the temporary file
by executing the subjob E8. The description "attribute=not_delete"
(see FIG. 14) in the subjob E8 indicates the above operation.
[0143] Further, it is desirable that an operation of changing the
order of execution of a job and another job, and the like, can be
performed. Also in such a case, it is desirable that the plurality
of jobs E1 to E8 should be treated systematically. In other words,
it is desirable that the plurality of jobs E1 to E8 should be
treated systematically as a plurality of subjobs relating to the
continuous copy job. When the order of execution is changed,
particularly, it is desirable that the order of execution of the
jobs E1 to E8 should be treated in a single unit lest the other job
is inserted among the jobs E1 to E8. For example, when a condition
that a predetermined tray used in the job to be executed is empty
of paper is satisfied, the next job may overtake the job to be
executed and be preferentially executed ahead (an overtaking
operation). Also in an apparatus in which such an overtaking
operation is allowed, it is desirable that the overtaking operation
is inhibited during the execution of the "continuous copy job".
[0144] <4. Other Function Modes>
[0145] Though discussion has been made above on the case where the
image forming apparatus 1a in which the "continuous copy mode" is
not installed implements the same function as that of the
"continuous copy mode" by using the operation mode converting
function of the image forming apparatus 1b (information converter),
this is only one exemplary case. Also in the other function modes
(e.g., the "enlarged continuous copy mode", the "card copy mode",
and the like), similarly, the above-discussed principle can be
applied.
[0146] <Enlarged Continuous Copy Mode>
[0147] The "enlarged continuous copy mode" is a mode for generating
a copy of which the size is larger than that of paper by dividing
an original manuscript into a plurality of partial areas and
sequentially performing enlarged copying of the plurality of
partial areas. As shown in FIG. 22, for example, by joining a
plurality of pieces of A4-sized paper obtained by copying partial
areas of an A3-sized original manuscript PA, an A1-sized copy PB
can be generated.
[0148] In more detail, first, the original manuscript PA is divided
into a plurality of (e.g., sixteen) partial areas PT1 to PT16.
Then, enlarged copying is sequentially performed for the plurality
of partial areas PT1 to PT16 at a predetermined magnification
(e.g., a magnification of 200%) onto A4 paper. More specifically,
the partial area PT1 of the original manuscript PA is first cropped
out and the partial area PT1 is enlargedly copied at a
predetermined magnification onto the first A4 paper. Next, the
partial area PT2 of the original manuscript PA is cropped out and
the partial area PT2 is enlargedly copied at a predetermined
magnification onto the second A4 paper. Further, the partial area
PT3 of the original manuscript PA is cropped out and the partial
area PT3 is enlargedly copied at a predetermined magnification onto
the third A4 paper. Then, the partial area PT4 of the original
manuscript PA is cropped out and the partial area PT4 is enlargedly
copied at a predetermined magnification onto the fourth A4 paper.
After that, the same operation is repeated, where the partial area
PTi (i=1, . . . , 16) of the original manuscript PA is cropped out
and the partial area PTi is enlargedly copied at a predetermined
magnification onto the i-th A4 paper. Thus, the "enlarged
continuous copy mode" is implemented by the combination of the
cropping (trimming) function and the enlargement function.
[0149] As shown in FIG. 3, however, the "enlarged continuous copy
mode" is installed in the higher-level models of which the
functional level is L3 or higher but not installed in the
lower-level models of which the functional level is L2 or lower. In
this case, when the operation mode set in the screen GAc of the
image forming apparatus 1c of the functional level L4 includes the
"enlarged continuous copy mode", the image forming apparatus 1a of
the functional level L2 cannot implement the same function as that
of the "enlarged continuous copy mode".
[0150] For this reason, the above-discussed principle is applied in
this situation, it is desirable that the "enlarged continuous copy
mode" should be reconstructed by the combination of predetermined
functions. Specifically, the "enlarged continuous copy mode" may be
implemented by using the functions (in detail, the "trimming"
function, the "enlargement" function, and the like) possessed by
the image forming apparatus 1a.
[0151] In more detail, receiving the conversion request from the
image forming apparatus 1a, the image forming apparatus 1b (the
mode information conversion part 15) divides the operation to be
executed in the "enlarged continuous copy mode" into a plurality of
jobs (specifically, the "trimming+enlargement" jobs). Then, the
image forming apparatus 1b converts the execution information (in
detail, the tag information) of the "enlarged continuous copy mode"
into the converted execution information (in detail, the tag
information) described by using the combination of pieces of
execution information of the plurality of jobs (the
"trimming+enlargement" jobs).
[0152] For example, in the converted execution information, an
integrated operation of the operation of cropping out the partial
area PTi of the original manuscript PA and the operation of
enlargedly copying the partial area PTi at a predetermined
magnification onto the i-th A4-sized paper is described as the i-th
job Ji. It is also described that the job Ji should be repeated
sixteen times.
[0153] The image forming apparatus 1a receives such converted
execution information from the image forming apparatus 1b and
performs the job corresponding to the converted execution
information, to thereby implement the same function as that of the
"enlarged continuous copy mode".
[0154] According to the above aspect, the customized information
which is customized for a specific user in the image forming
apparatus 1c or the like can be used also in another image forming
apparatus 1a.
[0155] <Card Copy Mode>
[0156] The "card copy mode" is a copy mode in which the front and
back sides of a card-like original such as a driver's license are
copied and images of both the sides are placed in one piece of
paper.
[0157] In the card copy mode, a front side of a card-like original
PE (see FIG. 23) and a back side of the card-like original PE (see
FIG. 24) are sequentially scanned and a front side image and a back
side image are generated. Then, the front side image and the back
side image are printed out in one piece of paper, being vertically
arranged (see FIG. 25).
[0158] More specifically, the user first places the original
manuscript PE on a document glass and has the image forming
apparatus scan the front side of the original PE. After that, in
accordance with such an instruction displayed in the screen as
shown in FIG. 26, the user turns over the original (card) PE and
places the original PE again on the document glass, and further has
the image forming apparatus scan the back side of the original PE.
Then, after a composite image in which the front side image and the
back side image are arranged on the upper position and the lower
position, respectively, is generated, the composite image is
printed out (FIG. 25).
[0159] As shown in FIG. 3, however, the "card copy mode" is
installed in the higher-level models of which the functional level
is L4 or higher but not installed in the lower-level models of
which the functional level is L3 or lower. In this case, when the
operation mode set in the screen GAc of the image forming apparatus
1c of the functional level L4 includes the "card copy mode", the
image forming apparatus 1a of the functional level L2 cannot
implement the same function as that of the "card copy mode".
[0160] For this reason, the above-discussed principle is applied in
this situation, it is desirable that the "card copy mode" should be
reconstructed by the combination of predetermined functions.
Specifically, the "card copy mode" may be implemented by using the
functions (in detail, the "form overlay" function, the "user
intervention" function, and the like) possessed by the image
forming apparatus 1a.
[0161] In more detail, receiving the conversion request from the
image forming apparatus 1a, the image forming apparatus 1b (the
mode information conversion part 15) divides the operation to be
executed in the "card copy mode" into a plurality of jobs
(specifically, the front side scan job, the user intervention job,
the back side scan job, and the form overlay printout job). Then,
the image forming apparatus 1b converts the execution information
(in detail, the tag information) of the "card copy mode" into the
converted execution information (in detail, the tag information)
described by using the combination of pieces of execution
information of the plurality of jobs (the front side scan job, the
user intervention job, the back side scan job, and the form overlay
printout job).
[0162] For example, in the converted execution information,
described are the tag information corresponding to the front side
scan job, the tag information corresponding to the user
intervention job, the tag information corresponding to the back
side scan job, and the tag information corresponding to the form
overlay printout job. In this case, the front side scan job is a
job of scanning the front side of the original PE, and the back
side scan job is a job of scanning the back side of the original
PE. The user intervention job is a job of requesting user's
intervention, in more detail, a job of requesting the user to
reverse the front side and the back side of the original PE. In the
user intervention job, such a screen as shown in FIG. 26 is
displayed on the operation panel 63. The form overlay printout job
is a job of laying out the front side image and the back side image
at the respective specified positions in a form for card print made
in advance and printing out the form.
[0163] The image forming apparatus 1a receives such converted
execution information from the image forming apparatus 1b and
performs the job corresponding to the converted execution
information, to thereby implement the same function as that of the
"card copy mode".
[0164] According to the above aspect, the customized information
which is customized for a specific user in the image forming
apparatus 1c or the like can be used also in another image forming
apparatus 1a.
[0165] Though the "enlarged continuous copy mode" and the "card
copy mode" have been discussed as exemplary cases herein, the
above-discussed principle can be also applied to other function
modes.
[0166] <Variations>
[0167] Though the preferred embodiment of the present invention has
been discussed above, the present invention is not limited to the
above-discussed preferred embodiment.
[0168] Though the image forming apparatus 1b responds to the
call-up of each operation mode and performs the conversion of the
operation mode corresponding to the call-up, or the like, in the
above-discussed preferred embodiment, for example, this is only one
exemplary case. The conversion or the like may be performed
collectively for a plurality of operation modes registered in
relation to the user UA. Specifically, at the point of time when
the button BN31 on the operation panel 63a (FIG. 11) is pressed and
the customized information relating to the user UA is requested by
the image forming apparatus 1a, the image forming apparatus 1b may
perform the above conversion of each of the plurality of operation
modes included in the customized information relating to the user
UA.
[0169] Though the case where the conversion of the operation modes,
or the like, is performed in response to the call-up of the
customized information in the above-discussed preferred embodiment,
this is only one exemplary case.
[0170] For example, the conversion of the operation modes may be
performed in advance when the customized information is registered.
Specifically, at the point of time when the button BN63 and any one
of the buttons BN41 to BN52 on the operation panel 63c (FIG. 6) are
sequentially pressed and the customized information relating to the
user UA is requested to be registered, the following operation may
be performed.
[0171] In detail, first, the image forming apparatus 1c which makes
entries sends an entry request including the operation mode
information to be registered in the customized information to the
data management apparatus 90. The data management apparatus 90
forwards the received entry request to the image forming apparatus
1b. The image forming apparatus 1b communicates with the image
forming apparatuses 1a and 1c, or the like, to acquire the
capability information MB or the like of the image forming
apparatuses 1a, 1b, and 1c and determines whether or not there is
any image forming apparatus which needs to perform the conversion
of the operation mode (and/or the function mode) to be registered.
Then, the image forming apparatus 1b generates the converted
operation mode information (including the converted execution
information) to be used to execute the operation mode in the image
forming apparatus which is determined to need the conversion and
stores the operation mode information therein. After that, when the
operation mode is called up, the image forming apparatus 1b sends
(back) the converted operation mode information stored therein to
the image forming apparatus (e.g., 1a) which calls up the mode.
Thus, by the preliminary conversion at the time of entry, since the
conversion is performed in advance prior to the call-up of the
predetermined operation mode in the customized information, it is
not necessary to perform a substantial conversion when the call-up
is performed (the conversion request is given) after that.
Therefore, it is possible to respond to the conversion request more
quickly as compared with the case where the conversion is started
at the point of time when the conversion request is generated in
the call-up operation.
[0172] Further, when the image forming apparatus 1c gives an
instruction for making an entry of the customized information
including a plurality of operation modes to the data management
apparatus 90, the above conversion may be performed for each of the
plurality of operation modes. Specifically, there may be a case
where the data management apparatus 90 forwards the instruction for
making an entry of the customized information including the
plurality of operation modes to the image forming apparatus 1b and
the image forming apparatus 1b performs collective conversion for
the plurality of operation modes.
[0173] Furthermore, instead of storing the result of such a
conversion at the entry as discussed above in the image forming
apparatus 1b, the conversion result may be forwarded in advance to
the image forming apparatuses 1a, 1c, and the like in the image
forming system 100 and stored therein. The image forming apparatus
1a or the like does not need to acquire the conversion result from
the image forming apparatus 1b via the network every time when the
call-up is performed in the image forming apparatus 1a.
[0174] In the above-discussed preferred embodiment, discussion has
been made on the case where the image forming apparatus 1b can
convert (divide) all the functions which can be executed by the
image forming apparatus 1c into jobs which can be executed by a
relatively low-level image forming apparatus. In general, however,
there may be a case where the image forming apparatus 1b cannot
convert all the functions of the image forming apparatus 1c. In
such a situation, it is desirable to check if the image forming
apparatus 1b (mode conversion apparatus) can convert each of the
functions of the image forming apparatus 1c which makes an entry of
the customized screen in advance.
[0175] For this reason, such an operation as discussed below, for
example, may be performed when the entry of the customized
information is made. First, when the image forming apparatus 1c
sends the entry request of the customized information for a
specific user to the data management apparatus 90, the data
management apparatus 90 forwards the entry request to the image
forming apparatus 1b (mode conversion apparatus). Then, in response
to the entry request (including the customized information), the
image forming apparatus 1b performs the following operation. The
image forming apparatus 1b first determines whether or not the
conversion of each of all the operation modes in the customized
information can be carried out. The image forming apparatus 1b
sends the determination result back to the image forming apparatus
1c (directly or through the data management apparatus 90). The
image forming apparatus 1c displays the determination result on the
basis of the content of the result which is sent back. By such an
operation, the user can know in advance that the conversion of the
operation modes cannot be carried out, even if the image forming
apparatus 1b is an apparatus which is older than the image forming
apparatus 1c and not capable of performing the conversion of a new
function of the image forming apparatus 1c, and the like.
[0176] Though discussion has been made on the case where the high
function apparatus (image forming apparatus 1c) has all the
functions of the low function apparatus (image forming apparatus
1a) in the above-discussed preferred embodiment, this is only one
exemplary case. Also in a case, for example, where the high
function apparatus does not have some of the functions of the low
function apparatus, or in other words, where the high function
apparatus does not completely include all the functions of the low
function apparatus, the above-discussed principle can be applied.
Specifically, the above principle can be applied to the case where
an apparatus is intended to implement a function which is not
included in this apparatus but is included in another
apparatus.
[0177] Further, in the above-discussed preferred embodiment,
discussion has been made on the case where a program, a database,
and the like used for performing the operation mode converting
process are stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory (EEPROM or
the like) in the image forming apparatus 1b. The program and the
database may be stored in any type of nonvolatile storage part such
as a HDD, which is not limited to the nonvolatile memory. Further,
the program and the database stored in the nonvolatile storage part
may be updated via the network communication or the like.
Alternatively, there may be a case where a (upgraded) program or
the like which is newly acquired by downloading or the like is
stored additionally to the (old version) program or the like which
has been already stored and the newly-acquired program or the like
is used instead of the already-existing program or the like. Such
an update may be performed by an update part (not shown)
implemented by the controller 9. The update part is a processing
part for updating any type of database (conversion database) and
any type of program. The update part updates the database and/or
the program by downloading or the like of a database of the latest
version and/or a program of the latest version via the network NW.
In a case where a new image forming apparatus having a new function
mode is added in the system or the like cases, it further becomes
possible to convert the new function mode by adding the
corresponding function mode through such updating of the program or
the like,
[0178] Though discussion has been made on the case where the
conversion database DB relating to the function modes is stored
inside the image forming apparatus 1b in the above-discussed
preferred embodiment, this is only one exemplary case and the
conversion database DB may be stored in an apparatus (e.g., the
data management apparatus 90 or the like) outside the image forming
apparatus 1b. In such a case, the image forming apparatus 1b
(information converter) accesses the external conversion database
DB to acquire required data as necessary.
[0179] Though discussion has been made on the case where the
functional level information is stored inside the image forming
apparatus 1a (job execution apparatus for executing a copy job and
the like) in the above-discussed preferred embodiment, this is only
one exemplary case and the functional level information
(possessed-function information) may be stored in an apparatus
(e.g., the data management apparatus 90 or the like) outside the
image forming apparatus 1a.
[0180] Though discussion has been made on the case where the image
forming apparatus 1a determines whether or not a specific function
mode is installed in the image forming apparatus 1a on the basis of
the functional level information MC of the image forming apparatus
1a (job execution apparatus) in the above-discussed preferred
embodiment, this is only one exemplary case. For example, the
information converter (image forming apparatus 1b or the like) may
determine whether or not the specific function mode is installed in
the image forming apparatus 1a on the basis of the data in the
information converter. Specifically, first, the information
converter acquires the respective pieces of possessed-function
information (functional level information and the like) of the
image forming apparatuses 1a, 1b, and 1c in advance and stores the
information therein. Then, the information converter determines
whether or not the function modes in the operation mode information
MJ4 sent from the image forming apparatus 1a are installed in the
image forming apparatus 1a. Further, the information converter
determines whether to execute the conversion in response to the
determination result and sends the determination result (including
the converted operation mode information and the like) back to the
image forming apparatus 1a.
[0181] Though discussion has been made on the case where the image
forming apparatus 1b performs the operation mode converting process
in the above-discussed preferred embodiment, this is only one
exemplary case.
[0182] For example, the image forming apparatus (1a, 1c, or the
like) other than the apparatus 1b may perform the operation mode
converting process. In more detail, the image forming apparatus 1c
which makes entries may perform the operation mode converting
process. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1a (job
execution apparatus) which makes an inquiry may also perform the
operation mode converting process. Further, an apparatus (e.g., the
data management apparatus 90) other than the image forming
apparatuses may perform the operation mode converting process.
[0183] In a case where a plurality of apparatuses (image forming
apparatuses and the like) can perform the operation mode converting
process in the image forming system 100, which one of the
apparatuses should serve as the information converter (mode
conversion apparatus) may be determined by mutual communication or
the like. There may be a case, for example, where respective pieces
of version information of the program and the like (in detail, a
converting program, a converting database, and/or the like) which
are executed in the image forming apparatuses are mutually
exchanged and the image forming apparatus corresponding to the
program and the like of the latest version is determined as the
information converter. Such an operation may be performed by the
inquiry target determination part 17 and the like of the image
forming apparatus 1.
[0184] Further, each image forming apparatus may acquire a program
and the like of the relatively new version by copying the program
and the like of the other image forming apparatus. There may be a
case, particularly, where a specified one of a plurality of image
forming apparatuses in the image forming system is appointed
(fixed) as the information converter and the information converter
copies the program and the like, to thereby acquire the program and
the like of the relatively new version.
[0185] Though discussion has been made on the case where the mode
information conversion part 15 converts an "operation mode
(including a plurality of function modes)" in the above-discussed
preferred embodiment, this is only one exemplary case. The mode
information conversion part 15 may converts only a "function mode"
included in the operation mode. For example, the image forming
apparatus 1a sends only the execution information (tag information
TG41 or the like) of the "function mode" which cannot be analyzed
by the image forming apparatus 1a to the image forming apparatus
1b, the mode information conversion part 15 of the image forming
apparatus 1b converts the execution information (tag information
TG41 or the like) of the function mode into the converted execution
information (tag information TS41), and the image forming apparatus
1b sends the converted execution information back to the image
forming apparatus 1a.
[0186] Though discussion has been made on the case where the
customized information is stored in the data management apparatus
90 in the above-discussed preferred embodiment, this is only one
exemplary case. For example, the customized information may be
stored in an image forming apparatus. Alternatively, the customized
information may be stored in a portable recording medium such as a
USB memory or the like. In more detail, the customized information
stored in the portable recording medium such as a USB memory may be
imported and/or exported by each of the image forming apparatuses.
The plurality of image forming apparatuses can thereby share the
customized information. Further, the above-discussed functional
level information (possessed-function information) or the like may
be also stored in a USB memory or the like and shared by the
plurality of image forming apparatuses.
[0187] While the invention has been shown and described in detail,
the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not
restrictive. It is therefore understood that numerous modifications
and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of
the invention.
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